Both Régis Le Bris and Marco Silva are hoping to have some key figures back when Sunderland face Fulham at the Stadium of Light, but have both had some significant setbacks this week.
Here’s the team news from both camps as we have it...
Has trained 'more or less' fully this week according to Le Bris, meaning he is available for selection this weekend. A huge boost for Sunderland - even if he'll have to be managed carefully after around a month on the sidelines.
1. Granit Xhaka - available
Has trained 'more or less' fully this week according to Le Bris, meaning he is available for selection this weekend. A huge boost for Sunderland - even if he'll have to be managed carefully after around a month on the sidelines. Photo: George Wood
The influential left back has suffered a knee injury that will keep him out for around three weeks - with Sunderland hopeful that he'll be back in time for the Newcastle United game.
2. Reinildo - out
The influential left back has suffered a knee injury that will keep him out for around three weeks - with Sunderland hopeful that he'll be back in time for the Newcastle United game. | George Wood/Getty Images
Marco Silva revealed on Friday that the winger, who was brilliant off the bench at Craven Cottage in the reverse fixture, will miss out due to injury.
3. Samuel Chukwueze - out
Marco Silva revealed on Friday that the winger, who was brilliant off the bench at Craven Cottage in the reverse fixture, will miss out due to injury. | Getty Images
Missed the last couple of matches with a calf issue but the injury is not severe and so he could well return here. Marco Silva didn't rule out him playing some part in his press conference on Friday.
4. Tom Cairney - doubt
Missed the last couple of matches with a calf issue but the injury is not severe and so he could well return here. Marco Silva didn't rule out him playing some part in his press conference on Friday. | Getty Images